BOOKSELLER’S RECOMMENDATIONS Shoppers can nd titles from a variety of genres at the local bookstore, but owner Teresa Kenney o ered four recommendations for those unsure of what to read next.
“Fuzz” by Mary Roach $16.95 paperback $26.95 hardcover Roach, a science writer, explores how humans and wildlife coexist.
“Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles
$32 paperback $30 hardcover
BUSINESS FEATURE
Teresa Kenney and her dog, Oso, greet customers. (Photos by Jishnu Nair/Community Impact Newspaper)
Four mis ts take a road trip in 1954 from Nebraska to New York.
Village Books Independent bookseller creates connections through reading W hen people walk into Village Books o the Woodlands Parkway, they are usually welcomed by its owner, Teresa BY JISHNU NAIR
“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett $17 paperback $27.99 hardcover
and Marcus Bridgewater. Kenney said she found many people are inter- ested in buying their books through independent stores if possible rather than from large chains. Village Books also o ers jewelry and other goods from local artisans, as Kenney prioritizes keeping a local touch to her products. “People are aware of the general need to shop local, including independent bookstores,” Kenney said. Although the bookstore location has been open for less than a year, Kenney said she was able to drum up interest through social media, selling online and opening a booth at local farmers markets before the store’s opening day. She said programming such as the Dobbs event has helped her continue to push the shop’s awareness to people, letting them know she is in town. Her literary workshops have become regular features at the store, and they are now divided by age group. Kenney said she continues to plan events targeted for all ages. “I want to be known as a true partner for the community, and the only way to do that is through programming and events,” Kenney said. “I’m only just getting started.” Kenney said she believes as more people have moved into The Woodlands, they have kept up its feeling as a local community. Her favorite part of owning Village Books is meeting people she would not have otherwise met, she said. “It could be the fact that people who understand [the importance of local business] come in here more often, but I do think this community is going on the right track,” Kenney said.
The novel deals with sibling bonds, their past and their childhood home.
Kenney and her dog, Oso. Kenney said the shop, which opened in September, is her way of giving back to the community she calls home. “I wanted my next chapter, but I wanted it to be something that gave back to the community,” Kenney said. “Independent bookstores are a good way to do that.” Kenney moved to The Woodlands in 2013 as a freelance writer for magazines throughout Texas. Owning a bookstore was something she had previously considered, but when a retail space opened up, she decided to try balancing it along her freelancing—which she said is only an issue when she is on deadline. Village Books usually carries new books and does not focus on a speci c genre, but Kenney said she noticed more people reading fantasy titles recently as opposed to contemporary ction, which she attributed to a need for escapism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenney said one chal- lenge was making sure the store’s o erings were in touch with what people want to read. “What I like to read may not be what someone else likes to read,” Kenney said. “We’re learning the genres people in the community like, and that’s what we try and o er in the store.” Connecting through events In addition to books, Village Books o ers community events such as discussions with authors and literary workshops. Local authors Kenney has worked with include Alda P. Dobbs
“The Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles $18 paperback $28 hardcover The novel focuses on a Russian noble under house arrest amid historic events.
SOURCES: HARPER, VIKING, PENGUIN, W.W. NORTON AND CO. COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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Village Books 9955 Woodlands Parkway, Ste. F, The Woodlands 281-771-8462 www.myvillagebooks.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m.
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • JUNE 2022
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